A measure that would ban ’conversion therapy’ on gender identity and sexual orientation in the island has been approved by the House of Keys.

MHKs approved a new provision to be added to the Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Bill, which has now completed the clauses stage.

It will make it illegal to practise conversion therapy, which would include attempting to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Moving the new clause be added to the Bill, Clare Barber (Douglas East) said: ’The detail in this new clause makes it an offence to practise, or offer to practise, conversion therapy.’

But the bill ’makes it clear this does not mean a person may not seek services that assist them to explore, develop or affirm their sexual orientation or gender identity’.

The Bill will need to pass a third reading before it can move on to the Legislative Council for further consideration.